Thursday Afternoon News, December 27

(Le Mars) Over a month before the tragic events in Connecticut, Le Mars Community Schools incooperation with Le Mars Police and Fire Departments had made arrangements to conducta training drill at Clark Elementary School on Wednesday, January 2nd. Similar exercersizeshave been held at various school buildings in the district in the past. Le Mars SuperintendentDr. Todd Wendt notes that there is no school on January 2nd when the training session willbe held. The event is important for emergency personnel to practice their response to various scenarios at different school buildings.

(Linn Grove) Two people were arrested Christmas Eve on controlled substance charges. A Buena Vista County Sheriff's deputy conducted an evening bar check at Bobby's Sand Bar in Linn Grove.Robert D. Wiese, age 60, the bar owner, and Debra R. Chapman, 59, both of Greeneville, were arrested on charges of drug paraphernalia and suspicion of a controlled substance.Both subjects were transported to the Buena Vista County jail. The investigation is continuing.

(Alta) A December 22nd traffic stop in Alta, Iowa, resulted in drug paraphernalia and possession charges against 24-year-old Martin Hernandaz Jr. A Buena Vista County sheriff's deputy stopped a vehicle operating without license plates. A routine search of the vehicle revealed a substance believed be marijuana located in the back of the vehicle. Hernandez was transported to the Buena Vista County jail. Four other occupants in the car were released without being charged.